The Importance of a Sewer Scope Inspection Before Buying a Home:

Hello, I'm John Schultz, the proud owner of JDS Home Inspection Services in Denver, Colorado. If you're buying a new home, your home inspector or real estate agent may have mentioned the option of a sewer scope inspection. While it may seem like an added expense, I recommend having one done. In this article, I'll explain why a sewer scope inspection is essential, how it works, and how it can save you from potentially costly repairs down the road.

Why You Need a Sewer Scope Inspection:

Your sewer scope inspection serves a vital purpose: to assess the sewer line's condition for your prospective home. Over time, sewer lines can deteriorate due to various factors such as age, soil expansion, or misuse. Neglecting to inspect this critical component can lead to many problems, including slow-draining sinks and tubs, drain line leaks, overflowing toilets, water damage, and even flooded basements. The price of repairing a damaged sewer line can be staggering, often ranging from $250 to $300 per foot. Investing in a sewer scope inspection before your purchase may save you thousands of dollars in potential repairs.

Understanding Your Sewer Line:

Your home's sewer line is an underground conduit that connects your plumbing system to the street. In Colorado, it typically runs at depths of eight to twelve feet. It links with the city's sewer line, which typically runs down the middle of the street. When you buy a home, you purchase everything up to this city line. However, if your home has a septic system, it operates differently, and you should consider a specialized inspection for the entire system, including a septic line scope.

The Sewer Scope Inspection Process:

A sewer scope inspection is a straightforward procedure that takes only a few minutes. A trained professional uses a camera to navigate your sewer line. During this process, they identify any cracks, root penetration, blockages, deflections, or other damage. They also determine the material the line is made of.

Not all issues uncovered during the inspection require costly repairs or extensive digging. Sometimes, a sewer cleaning is all that's needed to clear blockages, remove scaling, address oil buildup, and eliminate root growth. Trenchless repair methods, such as spray-on applications or inflating a lining into the pipe's interior, may be used to repair minor cracks or deflections. Discuss any issues with your sewer scope technician to determine the best course of action.

Visible crack in sewer line located during sewer scope inspection

Root penetration in sewer line

Maintenance and Care:

Once you've confirmed that your sewer line is in good condition, it's essential to maintain it properly. Remember that anything you send down the drain travels through this line. Avoid treating your kitchen disposal like a trash can; items like fruit and vegetable skins, coffee grounds, and eggshells may clog sewer lines. Cooking oils and grease can accumulate inside the line, restricting water flow. Dispose of these materials in the trash instead.

In the bathroom, steer clear of flushing "flushable" wipes, feminine hygiene products, diapers, paper towels, condoms, and anything other than toilet paper. These items can lead to costly blockages. (That's right, I included "flushable" wipes - these are not actually flushable at all.)

Massive clog of flushable wipes and grease pulled from sewer line - affectionately dubbed "fat-burgs" in the sewer industry

Ready to Schedule Your Sewer Scope Inspection?

Given the high cost of sewer line repairs, it's paramount to understand the condition of the sewer line before finalizing your home purchase. A sewer scope inspection is a valuable investment that can save you money and hassle in the long run. I hope this information has shed light on the importance of this crucial step. If you're ready to schedule your Colorado sewer scope inspection, JDS Home Inspection Services is here to help.